The development of new methodology for the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) in water samples has been a consistent theme of our research group
at NDSU. Good quality water is important for residents in the Red River Valley.
Approximately 36% of the withdrawals from surface water are used for public
supply in the Fargo-Moorhead area and Grand Forks. Current methodology for
the analysis of PCBs relies on tedious, laborious, time-consuming and expensive
chromatographic procedures. These are important considerations when routine
analysis of numerous samples is contemplated. A more significant limitation,
however, arises in the case of PCBs isomer identification. Since all chromatographic
techniques are based on non-specific isomer detection schemes and none of
the stationary phases currently available are able to resolve all 209 PCBs
congeners, inaccurate information is often obtained. Due to the differences
in their toxicity and biological activity, there is currently a great deal
of interest in unambiguous PCBs isomers determination. Only with an appropriate
analytical tool, a detailed insight in their environmental behavior, i.e.
their formation and presence in various environmental sites, and their fate,
including physical and chemical decomposition as well as biodegradation pathways
can be accurately obtained. The proposed methodology, which is based on solid-liquid
extraction, room temperature and low temperature phosphorimetry, will provide
not only a rapid and simple screening technique for routine analysis, but
also a highly selective approach for unambiguous identification of PCBs isomers.
Funding requested in this proposal will be used for the Graduate Research
Fellowship stipend of doctoral graduate student Andrea Arruda.